EDUC6403 DETS(A) Dissertation (B)
Module Overview
The dissertation builds on work undertaken across other modules and provides you with an opportunity to undertake a piece of independent research in a chosen topic. Normally, your dissertation will be individually supervised.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the research process and understand methods of data collection and analysis and apply them in a self-reliant manner
- Analyse and synthesise research findings
- Produce and present a carefully argued dissertation
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the approaches by which research and critical awareness of debates in education can be utilised to construct a scholarly argument.
- Critically evaluate an appropriate range of relevant primary source materials and arguments reflected in other sources and propose a relevant area of investigation
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of your chosen dissertation project, its potential impact on practice and the range of relevant scholarly literature and source materials
- Choose and evaluate a feasible independent research design, project plan and structure
- Devise appropriate research questions
- Devise appropriate research methods to undertake a research project
- Acquire appropriate Ethical and Research Governance approvals
- Demonstrate an understanding of data collection and analysis methods
Syllabus
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Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
In studying this module you will cover aspects of the following: - Strategies for focusing and managing the research process. - Quantitative and qualitative methodologies and approaches to research. - Key data collection methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation). - Methods for analysing and interpreting data. - Dissertation writing and presentation skills
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 150 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Kvale, S. (2008). Interviews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing.
Krippendorff, K. (2004). Content Analysis: An Introduction to its Methodology.
Strauss, A. and J. Corbin (1990). Basics of Qualitative Research.
Oppenheim, A. (2000). Questionnaire Design.
Creswell, J. (2002). Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.
Yin, R. (2004). The Case Study Anthology.
Punch, K. (2009). Introduction to Research methods in Education.
Willig, C. (2008). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology.
McNiff, J., & Whitehead, J. (2002). Action Research: Principles and Practice.
Wengraf, T. (2002). Qualitative Research Interviewing.
Muijs, D. (2004/8). Doing Quantitative Research in Education with SPSS.
Hopkins, D. (2002). A Teacher's Guide to Classroom Research.
Lichtman, M. (2010). Qualitative Research in Education- A User's Guide.
Patton, M. (2002). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods.
Bell, J. (2005). Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science.
Rubin, I., & Rubin, H. (2005). Qualitative Interviewing: The Art of Hearing Data.
Fink, A. (1998). Conducting Research Literature Reviews.
Wragg, E. (1999). An Introduction to Classroom Observation.
Guba, E., & Lincoln, Y. (1998). Competing paradigms in Qualitative research . In Denzin, N. & Lincoln, Y. (eds). The Landscape of Qualitative Research: Theories and Issues.
Fink, A. (2009). How to conduct Surveys: A Step by Step Guide.
Neuendorf, K. (2002). The Content Analysis Guidebook.
Assessment
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Diligence and Initiative (17000 words) | 100% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Costs
Costs associated with this module
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this module typically also have to pay for:
Books and Stationery equipment
Recommended texts for this module may be available in limited supply in the University Library and students may wish to purchase reading texts as appropriate.
Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.